Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-16 CASTOR OIL.

Valuable CAS 61791-12-6 / SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-16 Castor Oil is a versatile ingredient derived from castor oil, primarily functioning to enhance the stability and texture of skincare formulations. It excels as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and surfactant, adeptly blending immiscible liquids and dissolving hydrophobic substances. Beyond its functional roles, it also provides conditioning and humectant benefits, supporting skin hydration.

Summary

Emulsifying Solubilizer Surfactant Humectant Skin Conditioner Cleansing Agent Fragrance Functional Ingredient Consistency Enhancer Binding Agent Softening Agent Fixative

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by significantly reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water phases, thereby enabling the formation of stable emulsions. As a solubilizer, it efficiently disperses oil-based compounds, such as fragrances and essential oils, into clear aqueous solutions. Its surfactant properties facilitate uniform product application and effective cleansing. Additionally, PEG-16 Castor Oil can act as a humectant, forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules to help attract and retain moisture within the skin, which contributes to restoring the natural barrier function and is particularly beneficial for dry skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a chemically stable ingredient that effectively forms and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. While extended exposure to high heat can induce a reversible separation into liquid and solid phases upon cooling, these can be easily re-homogenized. Aqueous solutions can be sterilized by heating to 120 °C without compromising stability.

Conflicts

  • Should not be used on broken or irritated skin.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed the safety of PEGylated oils, including PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. A critical restriction is to avoid application on broken or irritated skin, stemming from historical observations of kidney toxicity in burn patients treated with high concentrations of PEG-based antimicrobial creams, although no systemic toxicity was found with intact skin. Manufacturers are advised to rigorously control potential impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane through purification processes. The base ingredient, castor oil, and related PEG Castor Oils are approved for use in food and cosmetics by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and within the European Union.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-16 Castor Oil is a valuable ingredient for its robust multifunctional capabilities as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and surfactant, offering supplementary humectant and conditioning benefits, while its safety is confirmed for intact skin under proper formulation.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…